The skeletal muscles in your body play an important role in your overall well-being. Without these muscles, your bones would not be able to move or support the weight of your body. Therefore, a pea-sized irritation, like a trigger point, can cause you great distress. When a trigger point develops, it can cause pain not only at the site of the irritation, but it can radiate locally in the body, sending sharp pain to nearby areas.

Understanding the development of a trigger point

The trigger point is nothing more than a small nodule that forms in the deep layers of muscular tissue. The knot can form for a variety of reasons, including traumatic injury, infection, musculoskeletal disease, and stress from lifting heavy objects. Even though the knot of a trigger point is generally quite small, it can block capillaries that carry nutrients to the muscles and remove waste. Soft tissues nearby can feel the pressure of this blockage and they will become sore. Often, the pain sourced from a trigger point will travel along the pathways already mapped out by the nervous system, so you might feel the sensation of a muscle spasm.

Treating trigger point-related pain

Unlike other causes for pain, trigger points can be difficult to diagnose. They are best identified through the pain patterns they cause, so it is important to describe your pain in detail when you talk to your doctor. Conservative treatment like deep tissue massage is usually enough to provide relief from the trigger point, as the muscle is able to fully relax.

If you suspect that a trigger point is the cause of your persistent pain, contact the pain management specialists of SpineOne in Denver. We are a multidisciplinary practice offering solutions, from massage to minimally invasive surgery. Find the best treatment option for your symptoms by calling (303) 367-2225 or visiting our website.